Kiteboarding: Riding the Wind and Waves

Some adventure-seeking travelers crave fresh powder, while others chase the perfect surf break. Then there are those who strap themselves to a 30-foot kite and glide across the waves, eager for that adrenaline rush.

“When I’m out on the water, I feel like a kid again,” shared Jennine Cohen, the 43-year-old visionary behind Wild Blue Retreats. Her company specializes in organizing wellness-focused kiteboarding excursions worldwide.

Kiteboarding, also known as kitesurfing, involves riding an oblong-shaped board akin to a snowboard. A kite in an arc shape is attached to the rider’s waist, with a hand-held bar for steering the kite.

In August, kiteboarding will make its Olympic debut in Marseille, France, underscoring its surging popularity. The International Kiteboarding Organization reports a significant spike in new certified kiteboarders, with numbers more than doubling from 23,000 in 2014 to 50,000 in 2023.

Despite the high speeds and exhilarating jumps, kiteboarding is generally safe when learned from a certified instructor, as long as the rider is a competent swimmer. Frederic Béné, a co-founder of I.K.O., emphasizes the importance of proper training. The organization boasts over 700,000 kiteboarders, 5,000 certified instructors, and 350 affiliated centers across 60 countries.

For beginners, it is advisable to dedicate at least five days to learning the basics. Choosing a destination with consistent side-onshore wind (blowing towards land), calm waters, experienced instructors, and accessible launch spots with sandy bottoms and minimal waves and crowds is crucial, according to Ms. Cohen.